Jizo

This morning we were in Higirijizo in Nikko, which is the cemetary.
Strange place to stroll, you might think, but it is famous for its many (mostly little) statues - each with a little red hat and scarf, and each one of which commemorates a deceased child.
Very poignant and moving.
Then we spent the greater part of the day exploring the adjacent Botanical Gardens, which are bordered by cascading, spectacular river falls and deciduous forest.
Lots of birds and butterflies, and one snake!
We walked about ten miles today - a great deal,of it up steep hillsides, and only about 1% on the level - so are quite weary tonight and really ready for a couple of ice-cold Asahi beers.
Cheers!
We leave here tomorrow after a delightful stay in a very modest hotel where fellow guests were from all corners of the globe.
Taking the JR local train and then the Shinkansen to our next destination - Karuizawa, where we shall meet up with an old friend Sayuri.
One worry is that this next stay will be very close to Japan's most active volcano!
Six years or so ago it produced over 1000 earthquakes, and actually erupts substantial lava flows fairly regularly!!
Watch this space for further seismic bulletins!